AUSTINTOWN A sad farewell to fount of joy

Leonard Kirtz School was closed to show respect for the relationship between Randy Hartwig, his family and the school community.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- Randy Hartwig had two homes and two families, and today they're both grieving.
"Everyone loved him so much," said Hartwig's mother, Karla,of North Lima.
Donna Ondash, an educational assistant at the Leonard Kirtz School in Austintown, added that Hartwig, "just crawled into your heart like you wouldn't believe."
Hartwig, 19, attended Leonard Kirtz until his death Sunday morning of natural causes. He had cerebral palsy, a form of paralysis believed to be caused by a prenatal brain defect or brain injury during birth. As a result of the condition, Hartwig had to use a wheelchair.
Leonard Kirtz staff and students joined his family and friends this morning for a funeral in Greenford Christian Church. The school was closed.
Second home: Leonard Kirtz School serves pupils with multiple disabilities. Karla Hartwig, who works as an educational assistant at Leonard Kirtz, said her son felt the school was his second home.
"Randy lived for school," she said. "He just loved the staff."
Principal James Dolak said administrators decided to close today out of respect for the special relationship between Hartwig, his family and the school's staff. The school doesn't typically close for the funerals of pupils.
"He touched so many lives over the years," Dolak said. "He just had a fantastic attitude."
Remembering: Other staffers praised Hartwig for his positive attitude and ability to succeed despite his condition. Many said Hartwig was always smiling.
"He's got a real warm sense about him," swim instructor Craig Bianco said. "You just can't over-emphasize the warmth and joy his life seemed to have."
Bianco noted that he gave Hartwig the nickname Little Splash for the splashing he did in the pool. The swim program has been named Little Splash in honor of Hartwig.
Others had stories to describe their relationship with Hartwig. Linda Matulek, his classroom teacher for five years, said Hartwig once went with her to the hospital to visit her sick father.
"To this day, he would remember what room my dad was in," Matulek said, adding that Hartwig continued to ask her about her father's condition after the visit.
Speech therapist Kay Flauto said she enjoyed reading books with Hartwig, including his favorite, "Goodnight, Moon." She noted that Hartwig memorized some of the books he read.
Flauto, like many of the staff, also praised Karla Hartwig for working to ensure her son lived a normal life.
"She made sure that Randy was a part of his community, his church and his family."
Appreciation: Karla Hartwig, meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the help and support she and her son received from the Leonard Kirtz staff.
"They are my family," she said, adding, "I couldn't have a better family."
Besides his mother, Hartwig is survived by his father, Dr. Randall J. Hartwig Sr. of Boardman; three brothers, Tom, Billy, and Anthony; and a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Contributions may be made to the Leonard Kirtz Playground Fund, 4801 Woodridge Dr., Austintown 44515.